There is no question about what is on the minds of River Forest citizens as we enter the last month before the election that will decide who will be seated on the District 90 Board of Education.
The Roosevelt Middle School Exterior Project has provoked many strong feelings on both sides on a level that we seldom see in village life. Having lived in River Forest for more than 25 years, I have seen a few issues this contentious come along before, and for a time they dominate public discourse and raise hard feelings between longtime friends and neighbors. They are difficult for all of us because focusing on them distorts our perspective. Eventually, though, they are resolved, and we all move on.
When we get a little distance from issues like this one, it becomes easier to put them in perspective and to remember something very important: In River Forest, when it comes to schools, residents and taxpayers can agree on some important truths, and the values that unite us are far stronger than any single issue that may temporarily divide us. No matter how we feel about any one issue, we all care deeply about the quality of our schools, and we all value the safety of our children.
When we take time to think about it, we also probably agree that the members of our school board are dedicated public servants who volunteer countless hours to make difficult decisions in the best interest of our children. We seldom praise them when we think they are right, and are quick to criticize them when we think they are wrong. We should thank them more often than we do for being so generous with their time and talents in the service of the children of River Forest.
This issue has been very carefully considered, using the process we have in place for the village. The D90 school board has offered their proposal, residents have responded, the Development Review Board has exhaustively listened to voices on both sides of the issue and made a recommendation, and the village trustees have upheld that recommendation. It is time to move on.
Many of us have found valuable relationships strained by the issue, including me. At times the dialog has become shrill and personal, and feelings have been hurt. However, I believe in taking the long view. I believe that rather than thinking about the configuration of the north lot, we should focus instead on the fact that we are neighbors and we are friends.
We have sat together at concerts and athletic events, marched in Memorial Day parades, served on boards and driven in carpools, and many of us have raised our children together day by day. I believe that longtime relationships matter deeply, and if we work together, we can be the best possible version of ourselves as we move forward. If I didn’t believe that, there is no way I would be seeking a seat on the D90 school board on April 7.
Barbara Hickey is a candidate for the River Forest District 90 school board.